Gov. Ned Lamont announced on Friday, Sept. 26, that the state of Connecticut is investing $50.5 million in New Haven’s public infrastructure and facilities, including $10 million for QuantumCT, a quantum technology nonprofit that partners with the University of Connecticut.
According to a press release from Lamont’s office, the investment in QuantumCT is meant to “provide critical financial support to this nonprofit that is the statewide coordinating body for quantum computing infrastructure and testbed deployment, convening industry, academia, and startups.”
QuantumCT works to advance research and industry applications of quantum computing, as well as build up the pipeline of people who can work in that field, according to its website.
“Our plan is rooted in academic-industry research partnerships to develop quantum applications that are relevant to Connecticut industries, such as aerospace, insurance, finance, and biotech,” the website said. “We are also establishing a pathway for translating discoveries into actual products that companies can sell or adopt to be more competitive in the global market.”
Pamir Alpay, the vice president for research, innovation and entrepreneurship at UConn, said in the press release that the investment would “[position] the state as a leader in this emerging field.”
“By working closely with industry partners, we are advancing near-term applications that will lay the foundation for a quantum-enabled future,” Alpay said.
The National Science Foundation recently announced that QuantumCT was among 15 finalists from over 300 applicants for its Regional Innovation Engines competition. The competition gives QuantumCT the opportunity to gain federal support for its research and development.
QuantumCT CEO Albert Green said in the press release that the investment from the state “affirms the central role QuantumCT will play in shaping Connecticut’s future economy.”
“By bringing together universities, companies, and investors, we are creating the infrastructure, talent pipeline, and partnerships needed to make Connecticut the place where next-generation industries take root and grow,” Green said. “This award sends a clear signal that Connecticut is committed to investing in transformative technologies that will drive competitiveness, attract global companies, and create opportunity for our residents for decades to come.”
The overall investment is part of the first grant award from the new Connecticut Innovation Clusters Program, which “offers up to $100 million over 5 years to support projects that contribute to the ongoing development of Connecticut’s key innovative industries,” according to its website.
The $50.5 million contribution also invests $17.5 million in public infrastructure for downtown New Haven. This will include pedestrian streetscape development, stormwater management and climate-resilient mobility infrastructure.
Lamont said research and development in New Haven is “changing the world and propelling Connecticut forward as a leader in the fields of life sciences and quantum technologies.”
“We want to build on this foundation, encourage new growth, and further cement New Haven’s reputation as a groundbreaker in these sectors,” Lamont said in the press release. “These targeted investments in the downtown neighborhood’s public infrastructure and facilities will enable us to further partner with these businesses and accelerate job growth and more opportunities here in Connecticut.”